Wike Dismisses Cardinal Onaiyekan’s Criticism of Tinubu as Political Bias
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the remarks by Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal John Onaiyekan criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration as politically motivated.
Wike said it is obvious where Cardinal Onaiyekan’s political loyalties lie, and therefore his opposition to the Tinubu government comes as no surprise.
The cardinal had argued that individuals surrounding the president are presenting a distorted, overly optimistic view of Nigeria’s economic situation.
He recalled a meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria with Tinubu at the State House, where the president reportedly dismissed the bishops’ concerns about the country’s realities.
Onaiyekan added that the president’s response lacked positivity, and he was not surprised by the disagreement.
According to him, many aides paint a rosy picture, making it the bishops’ duty to tell the truth despite a chilly reception.
The presidency countered, labelling the clergyman as more political than spiritual in his approach.
In his reaction, Wike stressed that religious leaders should avoid appearing to take political sides, stating that everyone knows which side Onaiyekan supports.
He pointed out that during the 2023 elections, religious figures openly chose sides, making such behaviour expected.
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